What exactly is the story on BNSF 9297 (SD60M) that is wearing what people refer to as "Experimental" colors? Was this the precursor to the Heritage I scheme? and was this the only one painted this way? thanks G
Yes and yes. BNSF painted this unit in May 1996 to gather feedback from employees (and shareholders?) about their new corporate image. The unit was painted differently on each side, one with red pinstripes and one with solid red stripe, and maybe other differences. I've seen reference to which scheme was "chosen" but I cannot seem to find it. As you may realize, ultimately neither scheme was chosen, as BNSF (wisely, IMHO) chose a solid yellow stripe for their GN-inspired Heritage I scheme.
Atlas has done a run of this paint scheme. You can still pick one up on that auction site. Also go to the URL below to see a good head shot of this locomotive. Steve http://www.locophotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=2736
Yes, I believe it was repainted. I photographed it at VMV's Paducah shops awaiting paint shop time back in '99.
Steve should have mentioned N Scale where Atlas does the three main variants. LL did not do either 'M' in HO, only the standard nose AFAIK. I stand corrected on the HO LL SD60M - I've only seen the standard nose units. Thanks for the link, cajon!
Being in HO scale don't even think N. Here's a link to a Life Like P2K Conrail SD60M on eBay. Does Atlas have an auction site? http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-PROTO-2000-...ryZ19135QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I apologize for essentially registering just to necrobump, but I saw this locomotive today. It has NOT been repainted, only renumbered. The number 9297 has been moved to an SD70ACe. Former BNSF SD60M 9297 is now BNSF SD60M 8129, and is still wearing the experimental scheme(s). Please don't hate me...
Nope, it's still in that paint but it has been renumbered along with the rest of the SD60M fleet. It is now BNSF 8197.
Carnaxus, Welcome aboard! Call me crazy (it's not the first time), but I like the blue stripe side. The actual H2 scheme, or Goat Boat scheme was my favorite, because of the GN inspiration.
8197/9297 Is still wearing her Experimental Paint. She has been renumbered to the 8100 number series to match the rest of her kind. I saw her about a month ago or so in Edgemont SD still in her experiment paint.